Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume VII/Letters of Gregory Nazianzen/Correspondence with Saint Basil/Letter 40

Ep. LX.&#160; To Basil.

(Gregory was not able, owing to the serious illness of his Mother, to carry out the promise at the end of Ep. LIX.; so he writes to explain and excuse himself.)

The Carrying Out of your bidding depends partly on me; but partly, and I venture to think principally, on your Reverence.&#160; What depends on me is the good will and eagerness, for I never yet avoided meeting you, but have always sought opportunities, and at the present moment am even more desirous of doing so.&#160; What depends on your Holiness is that my affairs be set straight.&#160; For I am sitting by my lady Mother, who has for a long time been suffering from illness.&#160; And if I could leave her out of danger you might be well assured that I would not deprive myself of the pleasure of going to you.&#160; So give me the help of your prayers for her restoration to health, and for my journey to you.